The CECAFA Senior Women’s Championship enters the semi final stage on Thursday at the FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru in Uganda.
Uganda Crested Cranes who are the only team to win all their matches in the group stage will face Ethiopia in the first semi final clash, and Tanzania battle Burundi later.
To reach the knock out stage Uganda topped Group A with 9 points, while Burundi came second with six points. Tanzania and Ethiopia finished with five points each, but Coach Oscar Mirambo’s team came top because of a better goal difference.
George William Lutalo, Uganda Crested Crans head coach says the motivation in the camp is very good. “Facing Ethiopia is a tough match, but we are very prepared,” said Lutalo.
The hosts will look to their leading goal scorers Fazila Ikwaput (4) and Sandra Nabweteme (3) to find the goals that can push them past Ethiopia to reach the final.
But Ethiopia’s coach Firew Hailegebral Asefa has made it clear that they are prepared to fight till the last whistle to eliminate Uganda. “We know they have a good team and also home support, but we are well prepared,” said Asefa.
Opa Clement Tukumbuke who leads the top scorers’ chart in the tournament with five goals will lead the Tanzania team against a Burundi side that has also put up a good show since the event kickd off.
“We know Burundi is a tough team and we shall handle them with a lot of toughness too,” said Tanzania’s coach Mirambo.
Burundi’s assistant coach Jumaine Niyonkuru said his team has prepared well and are ready to go all out and prove a point. “This is a semi final and we are ready,” he added.
Both Uganda and Burundi are also using the regional tournament to prepare before they play in the TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to take place next month in Morocco.
